Connect with us

Bahamas News

Education Minister Heads Impressive List of Speakers at 2nd Annual GB Tech Summit

Published

on

#Freeport, GB, November 6, 2018 – Bahamas – Minister of Education, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd heads an impressive list of speakers at the Second Annual Grand Bahama Technology Summit, set to take place, November 14-16 at the Grand Lucayan.

With a special presentation on ‘the future of education,’ Minister Lloyd is expected to expound on a number of government policies and initiatives to come on stream to revamp the educational system in The Bahamas, through the use of technology.

A major advocate for the advancement of technology in schools, Minister Lloyd believes that not only is the advancement of technology in schools inevitable, but it is long overdue in The Bahamas on a wider scale.

“No longer can we exist in a country where the world is advancing through technology around us, and we not be affected,” Minister Lloyd said during his recent budget presentation in Parliament. “We, as a nation must embrace this advancement of technology to benefit our schools, as well as move along the education of our children.”

In a tour of schools on Grand Bahama, just before the start of the new term, Minister Lloyd spoke with members of the media about how the advancement of technology in schools can also positively affect the change of the school’s curriculum.

With several gift presentations of laptops and tablets to primary and junior schools throughout the country by the government, as well as by private companies, Minister Lloyd is looking forward to all of the government schools throughout the country being fully computerized as well as equipped with internet and Wi-Fi capability in a very short period of time.

“We are anticipating having all of our schools throughout the country properly equipped with Wi-Fi capability, which will allow students, under the guidance of teachers, to access the internet, opening up the window of greater learning ability,” said Minister Lloyd.  “The advancement of technology in our schools is something which this government is committed to, and moving forward this is one of the major focuses of the Ministry of Education.”

The programs to be implemented by the government are anticipated to be a part of Minister’s Lloyd’s presentation, as this year’s Grand Bahama Tech Summit focuses on education.

Also on the list of speakers at the Summit will be Minister of State for Grand Bahama, one of the initiators of the Grand Bahama Technology Summit — Senator Kwasi Thompson, who will close out the conclave and reveal the way ahead for the GB Technology Steering Committee in their quest to make Grand Bahama a Technology Hub within the region.

Other local speakers at this year’s summit will include Kristie Powell, who will lead a panel discussion on ‘transforming education for the future’; Mark Godson, Managing Director/Americas of GIBC Digital (‘2020 Vision Digital Transformation Plan’); Eugen Winschel, VP of SAP Global Business Operations (‘The Future: Experience the Intelligent Enterprise’); Gravette Brown, business development leader at Aliv, major sponsor of this year’s summit (‘Transforming the Future of Business’); and a representative of Grand Bahama Power Company (‘The future of Energy in Grand Bahama’).

Powell, one of few Bahamians with the privilege of having worked at Google in Silicon Valley, has recently returned home to advance technology in education for Bahamians. As a member of the Grand Bahama Technology Hub Steering Committee, Powell’s focus is on the importance of advancing technology in education; and she is expected to play a significant part Grand Bahama’s immersion into cutting-edge technology.

Eugen Winschel crafts the vision, strategy and roadmap for Enterprise Artificial Intelligence. He has been recognized as a visionary and creative thinker, passionate about challenging the status quo, with an innate ability to simplify complex issues.  He brings a unique combination of business and technical savvy. Eugen has gained life experience on three continents, having worked in seven different industries, from automotive to advertising and high tech. He frequently shares his passion for the future of technology and user experience as a speaker and a panelist.

Jeff Campbell is vice-president, the Americas, of Government Affairs at CISCO Systems Inc., the global leader of Internet networking.  Since 2001, Campbell has been responsible for developing and implementing CISCO’s public policy agenda with respect to telecommunications, trade, energy, environment, security and technology issues.  In addition to his expertise in telecommunications regulations, Mr. Campbell has been involved in public policy with respect to intellectual property law, Internet regulation, energy regulation, international trade and information technology regulation.  Prior to joining CISCO, Mr. Campbell headed the Washington government affairs office of Compaq Computers. He will speak on the topic, ‘The Future is Smart.’

Also presenting is John Padgett, Chief Experience and Innovation Officer, Carnival Corporation (‘Innovation, Key to the Future’). Padgett is responsible for ensuring that the largest cruise company in the world creates experiences that exceed guests’ needs, wants and desires. He creates original game-changing experiences through the fusion of creativity, technology and operations, all centered on the guests.  He is the brain behind “Ocean Medallion,” a wearable technology device that allows guests to experience every aspect of the ship while on a cruise, without having to present a card or cash. Padgett’s span of operations includes Carnival Corporation cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Australia and P&O Cruises.  Padgett is also one of the innovators of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts projects, including the invention, development and implementation of many guest experiences, particularly ‘MagicBands,’ ‘FastPass,’ ‘Be Our Guest Restaurant’ and ‘Disney’s Magical Express.’

Riho Kurg, head of Product, Cybernetica, another international speaker at this year’s GB Tech Summit, will give a special presentation on e-government digitization reform, the Estonian model.  A very important topic, as the Government of The Bahamas seeks to bring to full fruition e-government.

The second annual Grand Bahama Technology Summit will be held under the theme, ‘The Future is Now.

 

Press Release: BIS

 

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Ayla Isaacs Unveils Transformative Guide Amidst Challenging Times

Published

on

Bahamian author Ayla Isaacs is making an impactful debut in the literary world with her book, “Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health—Transforming Your Wellbeing With Diet, Exercise, and Rest.” As crime rates surge and the aftermath of the pandemic leaving many grappling with hopelessness and a sense of abandonment, Isaacs’ guide offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap for personal transformation, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual resilience in navigating adversity.

Long-time Bahamian physician Dr. Horizal Simmons says, “Ms. Isaacs not only states the spiritual ingredient that we should use for our therapy, but she also explains how it works in our spiritual system and the beneficial changes that will bring the desired transformation or spiritual health benefits.” Applauding the soundness of the book and paralleling it to physical wellness, Dr. Simmons said he highly recommends it to anyone serious about their spiritual well-being and health.

Isaacs is a highly experienced Project Manager who draws from her background in Civil and Environmental Engineering, International Business, and Christian ministry, whether a physical structure or the wellbeing of an individual’s life. Her published work shows that she strongly believes in building with structural integrity. Isaacs provides readers with a holistic approach to welfare beyond traditional self-help. She explores the transformative power of simple spiritual practices integrated into daily life. Isaacs believes that prioritizing spiritual health can help individuals find inner fulfillment and a sense of purpose, which she believes are essential in combating the prevailing hopelessness.

Coach Gregory Cash, who has spent decades helping to develop great athletes and leaders in the country, believes the unique perspective shared, especially relating to spiritual exercise, can touch the hearts of so many. Wendy Fernander, PhD., a licensed clinical psychologist and president of the Bahamas Psychological Association, noted that too few of us think about our spiritual diet, which results in our spiritual wellbeing. When asked about the book, Dr. Fernander said, “This book will provoke you to do serious soul searching.”

Amid the challenges communities face, Isaacs encourages readers to initiate a positive “me” movement—a focus on self-improvement that, when embraced collectively, can lead to stronger families, churches, and nations. According to Isaacs, strengthened individuals become catalysts for positive change within their immediate circles, creating a ripple effect that extends to broader communities.

Ayla Isaacs, whose roots go back to South Eleuthera, is a founding member of the Smart and Strong Sisterhood (SASS) and the creative mind behind A.I. Paper, a gift-wrapping paper and bag company that celebrates the islands of The Bahamas. Isaacs believes that investing in spiritual wellbeing is pivotal for personal growth and resilience. A conference speaker who is actively involved in church ministries and affiliated with several civic organizations, Isaacs firmly believes in the balance between personal and community wellbeing.

“Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health” is now available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com in paperback and eBook form and locally at Oasis Bookstore in Nassau. Isaacs encourages readers to embark on a transformative journey and be architects of their spiritual wellbeing. In times of uncertainty, “Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health” offers a guide and a message of hope and empowerment for individuals seeking personal and communal transformation.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Tired of Taking Notes? The new Samsung Galaxy S24 Will Transcribe and Summarize Your Voice Notes In A Snap! 

Published

on

 

NASSAU, Bahamas – Faster, smarter and more convenient than ever before, the new Samsung Galaxy S24 will revolutionize your productivity with its new Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist features. In the continuous pursuit of delivering innovative solutions that enhance productivity and user experience, Samsung Electronics is proud to introduce two groundbreaking features: Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist.

The Transcript Assist feature, powered by Galaxy’s advanced artificial intelligence, takes note-taking to a whole new level by enabling users to easily convert voice notes and conversations into useful and accessible notes. Whether in a business meeting, conference, or casual conversation, the Galaxy S24’s Transcript Assist makes capturing information easier than ever.

By utilizing Transcript Assist, users can effortlessly record any conversation with multiple speakers and transform it into a clear and concise transcript with just a few taps. This feature is particularly useful for those who need to keep a detailed record of discussions and decisions made during important meetings or collaborative work sessions.

“With Transcript Assist, we’re redefining the way people take notes and record information,” said Gianmarco Leri, Product Manager at Samsung Electronics. “No longer do you have to worry about missing important details during a conversation. With the Galaxy S24, you can capture every word and turn it into a useful reference that you can easily review and share.”

In addition to generating accurate transcripts, the Transcript Assist feature also offers the ability to generate quick summaries of conversations, as well as the option to translate the entire transcript into different languages, facilitating communication and collaboration among people from different regions and cultures.

On the other hand, the Browsing Assist feature allows users to navigate more efficiently and conveniently on their Galaxy S24 devices by providing intelligent and contextual suggestions during web browsing and online content exploration.

The Galaxy S24, equipped with Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist, marks the beginning of a new era of productivity and convenience in mobile devices. These innovative features demonstrate Samsung Electronics’ continued commitment to providing advanced tools that help people achieve their goals more effectively and efficiently in everyday life.

So, get ready! The new Samsung Galaxy S24 will be coming soon to tech stores in The Bahamas soon.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Weather Systems Affect Cuba and The Bahamas

Published

on

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Weather#Cuba#TheBahamas, March 25th, 2024 – Serious weather struck The Bahamas and Cuba over the weekend, both nations receiving warnings from their meteorological entities. The Bahamas was affected by severe thunderstorms.  In fact, an area of the Carnival Freedom Cruise Ship, which was 20 miles off Eleuthera, Bahamas, caught fire and reports say it was possibly due to a lightning strike.  Fortunately no lives were reported lost.

Meanwhile, Cuba had intense rainfall and hailstorms, resulting in damage to surrounding areas, thousands left without electricity amid fallen trees and Flash Floods.

 

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING